Check out the recaps for SOL softball teams in action. UM/Springfield Twp photos provided courtesy of Greg Lindsay. CB West/Mount St. Joseph photos courtesy of Kim Supko. Check back for galleries of both games. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports’ SOFTBALL GALLERIES.
SOL Colonial Division
NORTH PENN 6, SOUDERTON 4 (8 innings)
Coach Rick Torresani called it a ‘must win,’ and the importance of Saturday’s win in the resumption of Thursday’s suspended game – deadlocked 4-4 when it was halted for rain with two outs in the bottom of the sixth – was underscored by the fact that the Knights vaulted up to eighth in the latest District 1 6A rankings.
It also gave the Knights a one-game lead over the Indians in the race for the SOL Colonial title.
“We still have to beat two teams, and we know that,” Torresani said. “But it is also really good for the (district) seeds because we went from 14 to eight and would get a bye.”
Felicia Connolly was all but untouchable Saturday, retiring all seven batters she faced – six by strikeouts – in a dominant display in the circle.
“Felicia was ready,” Torresani said. “She took a lot of heat (on Thursday). She told me yesterday at practice, ‘Coach, don’t worry, I got this.’
“She went out there, and I was like – ‘Whoa!’ She was just on fire. She was throwing hard, and the ball was moving.”
If Connolly was ready, so was the top of the Knights’ batting order in the eighth.
“We came in the top of the eighth, and one, two, three were up, and it was single, double double,” Torresani said of Cailin Halfpenny, Tallie Smink and Mady Archer.
Archer’s two-run double proved to be the difference in the game
Archer and Gabby Battavio led the Knights 11-hit attack with three hits each.
By the numbers: North Penn: Felicia Connolly (W) (8.0 IP, 4R, 4ER, 3BB, 14K)
Gabby Battavio (3-for-4, 2B, 2RBI), Mady Archer (3-for-4, 2B, 3RBI, 2R), Cailin Halfpenny (2-for-4, 2R)
Souderton: Ava Detwiler (2-for-4, 2B, 2R), Emma Lewis (2-for-2, 2B, 2RBI), Kiera Fadden (HR, 1RBI)
Key inning: Top of eighth: Halfpenny led off with a single, and Tallie Smink followed with a double. Both runners scored when Mady Archer lined a double to right field.
Bottom of eighth: Connolly struck out the side to close out the bottom of the inning.
Up next: North Penn (10-7, 7-1 SOL) will host Central Bucks East on Tuesday, and Souderton (15-3, 7-2) will host Central Bucks South Tuesday.
North Penn 300 001 02 6-11-1
Souderton 010 111 00 4-7-1
SOL Freedom Division
UPPER MORELAND 8, SPRINGFIELD TWP 4
The Golden Bears needed a late rally to defeat the pesky Spartans, who took a 4-2 lead into the top of the fourth and still led 4-3 heading into the fifth inning.
Delaney Stout notched the complete game win, allowing nine hits and fanning 12. She also had a pair of hits. Steph Jones had a pair of RBIs while Claire Walton, Joslyn McCellen and Kelly Bates each drove in one run.
For the Spartans, Natalie Hartman led the way with three hits and two RBIs, Ashley Schulz added two hits and an RBI, and McKayla McKeever had a hit and an RBI in a contest that saw the Spartans hold a 9-6 edge in hits.
By the numbers: Upper Moreland: Delaney Stout (W) (7 IP, 9H, 4R, 4ER, 3BB, 12K, 2-for-3, 1RBI), Steph Jones (1-for-3, 2RBI, 1R)
Springfield Twp: Natalie Hartman (3-for-4, 2RBI), Ashley Schulz (2-for-3, 2RBI, 1R), McKayla McKeever (1-for-2, 1RBI, 1R)
Key inning: Bottom of fifth: With the Bears trailing 4-3, Layla Knecht drew a leadoff walk and was replaced by pinch runner Melissa Torpey, who stole second and scored on a single by Jones. Jones scored on a groundout by Claire Walton to put the Golden Bears on top 5-4.
Up next: Upper Moreland (12-5, 7-1 SOL) will host Cheltenham Monday (6 pm) at Masons Mill Park, and Springfield Twp (6-12, 3-6) will be on the road at Cheltenham Tuesday.
Springfield Twp 201 100 0 4-9-3
Upper Moreland 200 123 x 8-6-2
Non-league
CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 12, MOUNT ST. JOSEPH 2 (5 innings)
Taylor Hooven’s four-hit effort led the Bucks’ potent attack, and Ana Gemsler took care of business in the circle as the Bucks rolled to the mercy rule win.
Hooven’s four hits included a home run and three RBIs. Freshman Taylor Sheplock hit the first home run of her career and also had a double and three RBIs.
By the numbers: Central Bucks West: Taylor Hoover (4-for-4, HR, 3RBI, 1R), Laila Murray 2-for-3, 2R), Taylor Sheplock (2-for-2, 2B, HR, 3RBI, 3R), Charlotte Kerns (1-for-2, 2RBI, 1R), Katherine James (1-for-2, 2B, 1RBI, 1R), Jill Boyle (2B, 1RBI)
Ana Glemser (W) (5.0 IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 1BB, 2K)
Key inning: Bottom of second: Tied 1-1, the Bucks scored three runs in the second. Murray was safe on an error, advanced to second on a groundout, moved up to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sac fly by Kerns. Sheplock lined a double to center and scored when James followed with a double, and Boyle made it three doubles in a row when she lined a two-base hit to left that plated James and put the Bucks on top 4-1.
Central Bucks West coach Mike Daher recaps the action: West took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when El Cooper scored the first run of the game on a wild pitch from the Mount Saint Joseph’s pitcher. She advanced to third on a single off the bat of Taylor
Hooven. That hit was the first of four hits on the afternoon coming off the bat of Taylor Hooven. But the West lead was short-lived as Mount Saint Joseph’s leadoff hitter in the bottom of the first inning, Kaitlyn Cockerham, hit a deep fly to right center field that cleared the right field fence to tie the score 1-1. But CB West would answer back with three runs in the top of the second inning. Laila Murray reached base on an error and after a groundout that advanced Murray to second, she would advance another base on a wild pitch and eventually scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly RBI off the bat of Charlotte Kerns. The inning wasn’t over for the Bucks and neither was the scoring. Right fielder Taylor Sheplock got the two-out rally going with a deep double to right center field, Katherine James followed with a double of her own into center field that would drive Sheplock home. And finally, the third double in a row came off of Jill Boyle’s bat when she lined a ball into left field, scoring James with the final run of the inning. The score after two complete was the Bucks 4 and the Mount 1.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Bucks would tack on five more runs. Taylor Hooven again singled to start off an inning on a ground ball single to left. Marley Swain was hit by a pitch and Laila Murray reached first base on an infield single to load the bases. After a fielder’s choice groundout for the Bucks, first basemen Charlotte Kerns lined a single to right field that scored Marley Swain. Laila Murray also scored on the play on an errant throw from the outfield. With runners now on second and third for the Bucks and a 5-1 lead, number nine hitter in the order Taylor Sheplock came to the plate with one out in the inning. Sheplock would drive a 2-1 pitch to dead center field which would clear the fence and the bases, giving the Bucks a more comfortable 9-1 lead. For Sheplock, it would be her first home run of the
season and therefore the first in her young career.
The Magic came back with a run in the top of the fourth inning. Kaitlyn Cockerham doubled to lead off the top of the fourth and later scored on a sacrifice fly off of the bat of Jewel Schaefer. Taylor Sheplock made a nice running catch on the sac fly, therefore, limiting further damage in the inning. The game would end in the bottom of the fifth inning when the Bucks pushed three more runs across the board on one swing of the bat from second basemen Taylor Hooven. Hooven got her fourth and final hit on the day when she hit a deep home run to left field, driving in Taylor Sheplock, who had walked to start off the inning and Jill Boyle who reached base on a fielder’s choice. The final score and a win for the Bucks was 12-2.
“The Bucks ended the day with 12 runs off 13 hits, and three batters reached base on walks. The big hitters for the Bucks were Taylor Hooven who had four hits including a homer and three RBIs. Taylor Sheplock who also had a homer, to go along with a double, a walk and also drove in three runs on the day. Laila Murray added two hits and scored two runs. Katherine James and Jill Boyle each contributed a hit and an RBI on the day, while Charlotte Kerns added one more hit to the Bucks stat sheet and drove in two runs. Ana Glemser had another effective day in the circle for West. Glemser went five innings, gave up five hits, walked one batter, and allowed two earned runs on the afternoon. Glemser also picked up two strikeouts and the win for her efforts.
Central Bucks West coach Mike Dahler on the game: “This was a good win for us against a solid Mount Saint Joseph’s Academy team. The Mount only had two losses on the season, and we knew that they were a strong hitting team, so we thought this could be a very competitive game. It was nice to come away with a win, and it made the day a lot more fun watching both Taylors (Hooven and Sheplock) hit home runs on the day. It was Taylor Sheplock’s first home run, so it made that swing of the bat a little more special.
“Ana Glemser did not have her best stuff today, but you really have to respect what she did as she battled The Mount’s batters all day and kept us in the game throughout the afternoon. Thirteen hits is a good day for us, and hopefully, that will continue into next week and during the District 1 playoffs. We also played solid defense today behind Ana, so hopefully we can keep that up as well.”
Up next: Central Bucks West (11-8, 3-6 SOL) will travel to Pennridge on Tuesday.
Mount St. Joseph 010 10 2-5-1
Central Bucks West 135 03 12-13-0
COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH 13, NORTH BURLINGTON (NJ) 1 (5 innings)
The Golden Hawks turned a 2-1 lead into a 9-1 advantage with a seven-run second on their way to the non-league mercy rule win. They pounded out 13 hits in the abbreviated contest.
Julia Scannapieco’s three-hit effort led the way and included a three-run home run in a four-run fourth. Veronica Houk also had three hits with a double and three RBIs.
Lexi Waring notched the complete game win, scattering three hits and allowing one run (unearned) while striking out five and walking two.
By the numbers: Council Rock South: Julia Scannapieco (3-for-4, HR, 3RBI, 3R), Jenna Pesapane (2-for-4, 1R), Veronica Houk (2-for-2, 2B, 3RBI, 1R), Lexi Waring (2-for-3, 1RBI, 5.0 IP, 3H, 1R, 0ER, 2BB, 5K), Sophia Salamon (1-for-1, 2RBI, 1R), Molly Gabrielle (1-for-2, 2RBI)
Key inning: Top of second: The Golden Hawks turned a 2-1 lead into a 9-1 advantage with a seven-run inning. With two outs and the bases empty, Scannapieco singled, and Kelly Delise drew a walk. Shannon Williams singled to bring home a run, and Houk’s double plated a pair. Waring’s single scored a run, Margot McLean drew a walk, Molly Gabrielle’s single scored a pair, and Jenna Pesapane singled home a run.
Up next: Council Rock South (15-3, 8-1 SOL) will host Lake-Lehman in a non-league game Monday.
Council Rock South 270 40 13-13-1
North Burlington 100 00 1-3-0
Friday, May 9
NESHAMINY 15, PENNRIDGE 2 (5 innings)
The Redskins played their fourth game in four days – including Friday’s after considerable rain, thanks to their new turf field, and for the third time in as many days, they came away with a win – this one an abbreviated mercy rule non-league win.
“We are so fortunate to have a turf field, especially on days like today,” Neshaminy coach Sarah Martoccio said. “We knew that this week was going to be a very difficult one for us, with the four games in a row against some strong opponents. I am so proud of this team for pushing through the weather and the fatigue and coming out strong today.”
Zahmira Coppolla-Miller had a huge day at the plate, contributing a double and triple, driving in four runs and scoring three. Her two-run triple highlighted a five-run second.
Erica Dalton, Jill Rickards, Ellie Miller (2) and Addie Pennisi (2) each contributed RBIs.
Molly Ambrosius earned the win in the circle.
By the numbers: Neshaminy: Zahmira Coppola-Miller (2-for-3, 2B, 3B, 4RBI, 3R), Erica Dalton (2-for-3, 1RBI, 2R), Jill Rickards (1-for-3, 2B, 1RBI, 1R), Ellie Miller (2 RBIs), Addie Pennisi (2 RBIs, 4R)
Molly Ambrosius (W) (5.0 IP, 4H, 2R, 1ER, 1BB, 8K)
Key inning: Bottom second: With the Redskins on top 1-0, they added five runs. Envy Franklin led off the inning with a single and moved up to second on Maddie Jacoby’s sac bunt. Dalton singled and stole second. With two outs, Pennisi singled home a pair of runs, Morgan Leonhauser drew a walk, and both runners scored when Coppola-Miller tripled. She later scored on an error to put Neshaminy on top 6-1.
Neshaminy coach Sarah Martoccio: “Every player in our lineup contributed offensively in some way, which is certainly a turnaround from where we were at the beginning of the season. We made a game-time decision with our pitchers today and ended up going with Molly, and she did a wonderful job on the mound.
“This is certainly a different team than I saw at the beginning of the season, but now is the perfect time to be hitting our stride. Every team goes through a period of difficulties and slumps, but I am encouraged that ours might be over just at the right part of the season. We are looking forward to our last two regular season games next week!”
Up next: Neshaminy (9-9, 4-5 SOL) will travel to Bensalem on Tuesday, and Pennridge (7-10, 2-5) will be on the road at Central Bucks East Monday for the first of three games in three days to close out the regular season. Neshaminy is 22nd in the latest District 1 6A rankings while Pennridge is 23rd.
Pennridge 100 10 2-4-2
Neshaminy 157 2x 15-9-1
HATBORO-HORSHAM 11, UPPER MERION 7
The Hatters rallied from a 7-3 deficit to earn the non-league road win Friday.
The Hatters opened up the game with three runs in the top of the first inning. Maya Ravi singled, Issabella Karpovich doubled, Kennedy Conn doubled and Faith Brown singled. Upper Merion came right back and hit a grand slam in the bottom of the first. The Hatters ended up going down 7-3 but then exploded in the fifth for six runs.
After loading the bases, Faith Brown doubled, knocking in two. Molly Harrington singled and drove in a run, and then Cara Neeld tripled, bringing home two more. Ravi singled home another run, and the Hatters added two insurance runs in the top of the seventh.
Kennedy Conn notched the complete game win.
By the numbers: Hatboro-Horsham: Maya Ravi (3-for-5, 2RBI, 2R), Cara Neeld (3-for-4, 3B, 2RBI, 2R), Madison Karpovich (2-for-5), Bella Karpovich (2-for-4, 2B, 1RBI, 2R), Faith Brown (2-for-4, 2B, 3RBI), Molly Harrington (2-for-4, 1RBI, 1R).
Kennedy Conn (W) (7.0 IP, 6H, 7R, 7ER, 6BB, 9K)
Key inning: Top of fifth: Trailing 7-3, the Hatters erupted for six runs to take a lead they would not lose. Adrianna DeLeon and Madison Karpovich led off with back-to-back singles, and after back-to-back UM errors, Faith Brown hit a two-run double. Molly Harrington followed with an RBI single, and with two outs, Neeld lined a triple to center that plated a pair. Ravi’s single brought home the sixth run and gave the Hatters a 9-7 lead.
Hatboro-Horsham coach Bob Sadowl: “I have been telling the girls to recognize when it’s their moment in the game and step up and execute. This was a nice team win up and down the lineup and not sure, but I think it was our first come-from-behind win. They all showed a never-give-up attitude. Couldn’t be prouder of the team win.”
–Props: “Props to Faith Brown going 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs, Maya Ravi 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs. Cara Neeld 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Kennedy Conn struck out 9.”
Up next: Hatboro-Horsham (10-9, 4-5 SOL) will travel to Wissahickon on Tuesday to close out the regular season. The Hatters are ninth in the latest District 1 5A rankings.
Hatboro-Horsham 300 060 2 11-16-3
Upper Merion 402 100 0 7-6-5
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